Detroit Lions: Grades by Position Group
By Alex Reno
Aug 28, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Detroit Lions kicker Nate Freese (3) kicks a field goal as punter Sam Martin (6) holds during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Lions beat the Bills 23-0. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Special Teams
Starters: Nate Freese, Sam Martin, Don Muhlbach
Reserves: None
Practice Squad: None
Grade: A-
There isn’t much to say about our long snapper — The Muhldozer — other than the fact that he is the perfect athlete/human being.
Sam Martin proved last year that he was worth the 2013 fifth-round pick and more. He has a hell of a leg and has been booming punts constantly throughout training camp, so there is absolutely no worries at the punter position.
Nate Freese was a bit of a question mark heading into the preseason. There was a legitimate kicker battle brewing as both were wildly inconsistent, but Freese put those questions to rest after nailing all three of his 50-plus yard attempts during the preseason.